PPHD board authorizes public pool inspections

The action follows passage of LB759 by the Nebraska State Legislature, which transferred authority for public swimming pool operating permits and routine operational inspections from the Nebraska Department of Water, Energy and Environment (NDWEE) to local governments, including counties, cities, villages, and local public health departments.

PPHD held a public hearing on the proposed local pool inspection regulation and resolution on July 30. Following the hearing, the Board of Health voted to adopt the regulation and resolution, and the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services has provided final approval of PPHD’s local authority.

Under the new authority, PPHD will oversee operating permits, renewals, routine inspections, and related education for public swimming pools in Banner, Box Butte, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, and Sioux counties. NDWEE will continue to issue construction permits for new public swimming pools and qualifying modifications to existing pools.

PPHD Community Health Planning Manager Megan Barhafer has completed required training and participated in local inspection ride-alongs with NDWEE staff to support the transition and provide guidance to pool operators, the release states. PPHD noted it has been preparing for the change since LB759 was approved through coordination with statewide associations, local governments, and pool operators.

The district said the new inspection role builds on existing partnerships with area pools, including support for the Pool Cool sun safety program through sunscreen, promotional signage, and mini-grants to assist pools with shade structures. Questions regarding pool inspections may be directed to Megan Barhafer at mbarhafer@pphd.ne.gov or 308-633-2866.

This brief was generated from a public document. Source: https://www.pphd.org/Site/Documents/NewsReleases/8.3.26%20PPHD%20Pool%20Inspections.pdf